Are you looking for a Santa Clarita dog bite lawyer?
Every year, many people in California are bitten by dogs. When dogs attack people, they may cause serious injuries or even death. People who are attacked by dogs while they are on public property or when they are lawfully on the property of others may be able to recover damages by filing dog bite injury lawsuits. If you or your loved one was attacked by a dog, it is important for you to talk to an experienced Santa Clarita dog bite injury lawyer. An attorney understands how to build a strong case of liability so that your compensation might be maximized.
How common are dog bite injuries?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Each year, an estimated 900,000 dog bites become infected. The Insurance Information Institute reports that California had the greatest number of filed dog bite homeowners’ liability claims in the nation in 2014. During that year, 1,867 claims were filed in California with a total value of $62.8 million.
How to determine if a dog bite qualifies for a lawsuit
In order to form the basis of a lawsuit, a dog bite must meet several criteria. You must have either been bitten while you were on public property or while you were lawfully on the property of others either as an invited guest or for business reasons. You will not be able to recover compensation if you were bitten by a police dog while the dog was doing its job. In California, it does not matter whether the dog’s owner knew that the dog had a propensity to be aggressive. Owners can be held to be strictly liable to pay damages the first time their dogs bite others.
What are common injuries from dog bites?
Dog attacks can cause multiple injuries to the victims. Some of the most common types of injuries that people might suffer in dog attacks include the following:
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Lacerations, cuts and abrasions
• Damage to your nerves, bones and tendons
• Infections
• Rabies
• Emotional and psychological trauma
Who typically suffers the most from dog bite injuries?
While dogs can attack people of all ages, children are the most frequent victims of dog bite injuries and fatalities. Boys are likelier to be bitten than girls. In addition to children, older adults are also at a greater risk to be seriously injured in dog attacks.
What dog bite victims should do after an attack
After people have been attacked by dogs, they should call 911 or have someone nearby do so. If they are able to do so, they should photograph the dog and get the owner’s information. It is very important for people who have been bitten by dogs to seek medical treatment. Dog bites can easily become infected, and some dogs carry rabies. After you have sought medical care, you should meet with an experienced dog bite lawyer.
When and why dog bite victims should contact a Santa Clarita dog bite lawyer
In California, people who have suffered personal injuries must file their claims no later than two years after the date that they were injured. If you wait too long to file your claim, you may lose your right to recover damages for your losses. It is best for you to talk to an experienced dog bite lawyer in Santa Clarita as soon as possible after your injury. Promptly getting legal help may help your attorney to build a strong case that demonstrates the liability of the dog owner before critical evidence might be lost. Contact our law firm today to schedule your consultation so that you can learn more about the rights that you might have in your dog bite injury or fatality case.
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If you or a loved one has been injured, you will want a top rated San Fernando Valley personal injury attorney that understands how to get the maximum compensation you deserve. Our pledge is to be your partner, and provide passionate, yet skillful legal representation needed to win your case. Contact our highly trained personal injury lawyers today for a free case evaluation.